Parcel Conveying Control with Priority-Based Extraction Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport devices struggle to accurately extract parcels from containers due to inefficiencies in position detection and prioritization, leading to potential parcel misalignment and prolonged operation times.
Innovation Solution
A transport device equipped with a position detection system using sensors and cameras to identify parcel positions, a holding mechanism with suction pads, and a control system that prioritizes parcel extraction based on predetermined conditions, excluding parcels within a certain distance to optimize the extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transport devices use basic position detection and parcel selection methods, then the device structure remains simple, but the accuracy of parcel extraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position detection of all parcels using the sensor array before extraction begins. The control unit pre-calculates extraction priorities and identifies optimal extraction sequences, allowing the robot arm to execute precise movements without real-time calculation delays, thereby improving detection accuracy while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array creates a digital copy or map of parcel positions and characteristics. This virtual representation allows the control unit to analyze and prioritize extractions without physically manipulating parcels, improving positional accuracy while avoiding the complexity of direct physical measurement and adjustment during operation.
2Productivity
If the device extracts multiple parcels simultaneously without priority management, then productivity increases, but parcel misalignment and extraction accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is segmented into discrete priority levels and time slots. The control unit divides simultaneous extraction into sequential operations based on calculated priorities, where high-priority parcels are extracted first with precise positioning, followed by lower-priority parcels. This segmentation maintains accuracy while achieving high overall productivity through efficient parallel planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts extraction priorities and sequences based on real-time parcel positions, container state, and extraction progress. The control unit continuously recalculates optimal extraction paths and priorities, allowing the robot arm to adapt its movements dynamically, thereby maintaining high accuracy even when extracting multiple parcels in rapid succession.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot arm moves frequently to extract parcels from different positions, then extraction flexibility improves, but operation time and cycle duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-calculates optimal extraction sequences that minimize robot arm movements. By analyzing all parcel positions and extraction priorities beforehand, the system plans efficient paths that reduce unnecessary movements, allowing the robot arm to extract parcels in an optimized sequence that maintains flexibility while significantly reducing total operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple extraction operations into consolidated movement patterns. When multiple parcels are located in adjacent regions or can be accessed efficiently in a single robot arm trajectory, the control unit combines these extractions into one continuous operation, reducing the number of separate movements and minimizing cycle time while maintaining the ability to handle diverse parcel configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device accurately and efficiently extracts parcels by prioritizing their selection and extraction, reducing the likelihood of misalignment and shortening operation times, while ensuring high-speed and reliable parcel transport.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which detects a position of a parcel
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport device has a position detection portion, a holding portion, a driving portion, and a control portion. The position detection portion includes a sensor provided above an accumulation portion for parcels, and detects a position of a parcel. The holding portion is attached to an arm and holds a parcel. A driving portion drives the holding portion and the arm. A control portion controls the position detection portion and the driving portion to perform, as one cycle, a procedure to detect a position of a parcel using the position detection portion, select parcels based on a predetermined condition, and set priority for the selected parcels, and a procedure to refer to a result of the detection performed by the position detection portion, and cause the holding portion to take out one or more parcels from the accumulation portion in accordance with the priority to transport the parcels to a predetermined location, and excludes, from parcels to be taken out, a second parcel that is present within a predetermined distance from a first parcel and has priority lower than the priority of the first parcel, during the one cycle.